Why Attachment Shouldn’t Stop You From Fostering
By Uchenna C. Okeke
Many people hesitate to foster because they fear becoming attached. If you’ve ever thought about fostering a rescued animal, this concern may have crossed your mind. But, is this fear of attachment really a reason to hold you back from fostering? What you discover may change your mind forever.
Attachment is Strength
Attachment isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength! It means you’re making an impact. It shows you have the love and compassion to change an animal’s life. Fostering isn’t just about providing food and shelter; it’s about offering love, stability, and care to an animal in need. The bond you form isn’t something to fear, it’s part of the journey.
As dog and cat foster caregiver, Blaire, puts it: “You get attached because you have a big heart. But part of loving them is wanting to see them find THEIR people, and understanding that if you keep them, you can’t help more. Always go into it knowing this is only temporary, ‘goodbye is the goal.’ The peace of knowing they found their forever home really does quell the sadness of letting go.”
Every Goodbye Means Another Life Saved
Letting go is never easy, but it can be deeply rewarding. Each time you foster, you not only help one cat or dog, but you also make space for another animal in need. The beauty of fostering lies in this ongoing cycle of love and rescue.
While goodbyes can be tough, remember that your role as a foster parent is key to saving lives. And if you find the perfect match for your family, adoption with HSLC is also an option! Many fosters choose to adopt, and that’s part of the journey, too.
Why Foster?
Fostering is a powerful way to make a difference in the lives of animals. It offers pets love, care, and a secure environment – often something they have never experienced before. By opening your home, you help them build confidence and develop social skills, preparing them for their future forever family.
Diane, who has been fostering for 20 years, says: “Fostering allows me to save a homeless dog. Every time I bring one in, I’m not just helping them – I’m also creating space for another dog at the shelter (or rescue). Without fosters, rescues wouldn’t have the ability to take in more animals. That’s the core of why fostering is so vital.”
Diane’s experience highlights how the impacts of fostering far surpass the difficulty of saying goodbye.
Flexible Fostering Options
Fostering can fit into various lifestyles. Whether you can commit long-term or just for a short time, every effort matters. Consider these options:
- Short-term fosters: If you can only foster for a few weeks, you can still make a huge difference.
- Vacation fosters: Providing a temporary home for a dog or cat while another foster is out of town is a great way to test-drive fostering.
- Fospice foster: Giving a senior or terminally ill dog or cat love and comfort in their final months is often seen as a privilege.
Will You Foster?
The Humane Society of Loudoun County is only able to save a handful of dogs in any given year because of a shortage of fosters. And yet, there are so many dogs that are waiting for their second chances. The only thing standing in their way is available foster homes. Will you be their hero?
Contact us at foster@humaneloudoun.org for more information about fostering or visit the HSLC website to learn more and complete a no-obligation application.